Q&A for How to Build a Vivarium

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Is sand good instead of gravel?

Lindsey Jo Walker

Community Answer

Gravel works best for the set up shown in this WikiHow. If you really want to use sand, you would have to see what plants do best in the sand and what animals are good with sand as well (if you plan on placing animals inside).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

Today I caught a green anole with it's head shedding. It also has black spots on the head. Does he have a disease?

Community Answer

Shedding is normal for all reptiles. Black spots may also be normal. Only a vet can tell for sure.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10
Question

Can a tropically themed vivarium be setup, using a Sterilite tub, instead of a glass aquarium/terrarium?

Community Answer

Yes, you probably could, but a regular terrarium or aquarium is preferred. It could depend on what you animal you plan to put in it!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

I would like to put a salamander in a vivarium. What conditions, other than a moss covered floor, do they require?

Community Answer

A salamander (depending on what type) generally needs moss and a small pool of water. You can also add rocks or a hollow log for it to hide in. Remember, salamanders need lots of moisture to survive.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

Do you think green or brown anode lizards can be in this particular vivarium?

Community Answer

Probably, but make sure the vivarium is spacious enough so they can run around. Add lots of greenery because these lizards are used to trees and leaves.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

Can I use this for a millipede?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use a vivarium for a millipede.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Is it okay to catch things such as snails or minnows? How do I find the right kind of light bulb for the vivarium?

Community Answer

You shouldn't catch those kinds of animals because certain animals like those need precise living conditions.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 4
Question

Can I put a pygmy hedgehog in a vivarium?

Community Answer

Vivariums are fine for hedgehogs and are draft free! Make sure it is sealed with an aquarium-grade sealant; otherwise, if any urine gets into the seal, it will bust and ruin a perfectly good vivarium.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
Question

I have a toad living in a pot full of water in my garden. Is the toad safe?

Makaila Riendeau

Community Answer

It depends on where you live. If you live in a cold area, the toad may die in the winter but it also might not die here if it buries itself to hibernate and come back in the spring. Even if the frog survives that, predators might get it. If it's trapped in a container of any sort that is not appropriate for the toad, then it will likely die. However, if the toad can come and go as it pleases, then it's made the choice to be there and it'll figure out how to keep itself alive.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

I’m getting mold in my Vivarium for a crested gecko. I’ve been trying to get rid of it by not spraying water so much. It’s still growing. Help?

Kally Hang (799KalHang)

Community Answer

Try getting your plants to be healthy, that will definitely help. The mold would go away when the plants are healthy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Are the bugs in the picture rolly pollies?

Community Answer

Yes, they are. They are also known as isopods, some places will actually sell them for vivariums.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What type of animal can I use in my 3.5 gallon terrarium?

Hao

Community Answer

All sorts of arthropods including Hercules beetles, stag beetle, blue death feigning beetle, mantis, tarantula, etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What is the cheapest type of substrate can I use for toads?

Elizabeth Vosburgh

Community Answer

Coconut fiber (Eco Earth) is quite cheap and works well for toads. You could also use cypress mulch.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0